Wireless mobile call location and delivery for non-geographic numbers

ABSTRACT

A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number ( 982 ) which is either a non-geographic directory number or a non-dialable directory number. A call is initiated from a wireline telephone ( 155 ) to a geographic-based local access directory number ( 994, 996 ). An originating switching node ( 810 ) recognizes the local access directory number ( 994, 996 ) as an AIN trigger, and thereafter identifies a signaling node ( 820 ) that is associated with the dialed local access DN ( 994, 996 ). The signaling node ( 820 ) sends a location request that includes the local access DN ( 994, 996 ) to an HLR ( 130 ). The HLR ( 130 ) obtains the wireless DN ( 982 ) from an internal database ( 990 ) in which the wireless DN ( 982 ) is associated with the local access DN ( 994, 996 ). The HLR ( 130 ) utilizes the wireless DN ( 982 ) to receive a temporary local directory number (TLDN) from visitor location register ( 140 ). The HLR ( 130 ) associates the TLDN with the local access DN ( 994, 996 ) and subsequently forwards the TLDN to the signaling node ( 820 ), which in turn relays the TLDN to the originating switching node ( 810 ). The call connection is thereafter established directly from the originating switching node in the end office to a visited cellular switch using the TLDN.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser.No 09/487,844, filed 19 Jan. 2000, which is a continuation-in-part ofcopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/340,508, filed 1 Jul.1999, each assigned to the common assignee of the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to telecommunication networks and, moreparticularly, to a method and system for routing calls directed tonon-geographic wireless directory numbers in a telecommunicationsnetwork.

2. Background of the Art

In known telecommunications networks, a wireline telephone number ordirectory number (DN) is associated with a fixed geographic location andis served by a single wireline switch. In a wireless network, however, awireless DN is associated with multiple geographic locations and isserved by any one of a number of wireless switches depending on thespecific geographic location of the associated mobile wireless device(hereinafter mobile wireless station or wireless station) at the time acall is made. This portability of a wireless DN is one of the basicattributes of wireless telephony, and is often referred to as “roaming”.

In the present implementation of wireless networks, each mobiledirectory number is associated by both the wireless and wirelinenetworks with a specific geographic home switch location. The homeswitch location includes a physical connectivity matrix and a storedprogram control section that houses the logic and algorithms necessaryto control the connectivity. Associated with wireless switches is acollection of Radio Frequency (RF) channels, aggregated in multiplephysical locations called cell sites across a specific areacorresponding to a serving market, and variously known in the UnitedStates under the designations MSA, RSA, MTA, and BTA, depending on theFCC license.

A pair of entities known as a home location register (HLR) and visitorlocation register (VLR) in a telecommunications network provide seamlessroaming or call delivery when a call is placed to or from a wireless DN.A home location register is associated with a home wireless switch wherea wireless DN resides (i.e., the wireless switch to which all incomingwireline-originated calls to the wireless DN are directed). A mobilewireless station is located within its home area when the wirelessstation can directly communicate with its associated home wirelessswitch (i.e., located in the area covered by the home wireless switch).

A visitor location register is associated with a wireless switchcurrently serving a wireless station that is outside of its home area. Awireless station is outside of its home area (or roams) when thewireless station cannot directly communicate with the home wirelessswitch, and instead communicates with another wireless switch, which isreferred to as a visited wireless switch.

Typically, when the VLR and HLR are physically in the same location, themobile wireless station is “Home” and is not roaming. When the VLR andthe HLR are not in the same location and specialized protocols are notimplemented to make the wireless station act as if it were “Home”, thenthe wireless station is “roaming”.

Phone calls from a land-based terminal or station to a mobile wirelessstation can be completed while roaming only by a carefully orchestratedset of interactions between the HLR and VLR, all of which are describedand defined by ANSI-41. ANSI-41 defines the HLR as a logically andpossibly physically separate device from the actual switching matrixunderlying the RF portion of the wireless network for the home locationfor the mobile wireless station. Similarly, the VLR is defined as alogically and possibly physically separate device from the actualswitching matrix underlying the RF portion of the wireless network fromwhich a mobile wireless station is currently being served. This physicalseparation, together with the Signaling System Seven (SS7) and theassociate messages and protocols, are existing underlying componentsutilized by the invention.

One problem with known telecommunication networks is that twoconnections must be established when a call is placed to a wireless DNwhose associated wireless station is outside of its home area. In suchinstances, the telecommunications network first establishes a connectionto the home wireless switch associated with the wireless DN. That is, inthe existing art, the wireline station call is first routed from theserving wireline switch to the home wireless switch (the HLR location),possibly by way of additional local or Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC)switches. The home wireless switch then establishes a second connectionto a visited wireless switch that currently serves the wireless DN. Inparticular, the HLR interacts with the VLR to obtain a Temporary LocalDirectory Number (TLDN) from the allocations made for the physicallocation of the visited wireless switch serving the wireless station.The wireless switch containing the HLR routes the call via the publicswitched telephone network (PSTN) to the wireless switch containing theVLR, which then establishes the necessary wireless RF connection to themobile wireless station. Thus, two separate PSTN connections must bemade to complete a single land-to-mobile call while roaming.

As an illustration, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a conventionaltelecommunications network 100. Telecommunications network 100 comprisesa wireline switch 110, a home wireless switch 120, a home locationregister 130, a signal transfer point (STP) 135, a visitor locationregister 140, a visited wireless switch 150, a wireline telephone 155, acell site including antenna 170, and a wireless station 175.

Typically, a wireline subscriber using telephone 155 initiates a callrequest 180 a, by dialing the wireless DN associated with wirelessstation 175. When wireline switch 110 receives call request 180 a,wireline switch 110 establishes a first connection 180 b via a PublicSwitched Telephone Network PSTN)160 to home wireless switch 120, whichis the home switch associated with the dialed DN.

Home wireless switch 120 sends an ANSI-41 RouteRequest message 180 c toits associated home location register 130, requesting the currentlocation of wireless station 175. The text of “Interim Standard (IS)41”, Revision D, has been adopted to become the ANSI-41 standard. TheIS-41, Rev. D, standard is described in “Radio TelecommunicationsIntersystem Operations,” ANSI/TIA/EIA/41-D-1997, which is incorporatedherein by reference. The ANSI-41 Standard describes the communicationprotocol between home wireless switch 120, home location register 130,visitor location register 140, and visited wireless switch 150 intelecommunications network 100. It should be understood that althoughthe ANSI-41 standard is referred to herein, the features andcapabilities of IS-41 Revision A have been found sufficient to enablethe present invention.

If wireless station 175 is outside of its home area, as shown in FIG. 1,home location register 130 then identifies the visitor location registerwith which wireless station 175 was last registered, for example,visitor location register 140, and sends an ANSI-41 RouteRequest message180 d via STP 135 to visitor location register 140.

Visitor location register 140 forwards RouteRequest message 180 d to itsassociated visited wireless switch 150, requesting a route to wirelessstation 175. Visited wireless switch 150 computes a temporary localdirectory number (TLDN), which can be used in establishing incomingcalls to wireless station 175. Visited wireless switch 150 then returnsthe TLDN to visitor location register 140 in an ANSI-41 message 180 e.Visitor location register 140 then sends, via STP 135, to home locationregister 130, an ANSI-41 RouteRequest response message 180 f thatincludes the TLDN.

Home location register 130 forwards RouteRequest response message 180 fto home wireless switch 120. Using the TLDN in RouteRequest responsemessage 180 f, home wireless switch 130 then establishes a secondconnection 180 g to visited wireless switch 150, which sends a ringsignal to wireless station 175. Thus, to establish a call betweentelephone 155 and wireless station 175 when wireless station 175 isoutside of its home area, telecommunications network 100 must establishtwo separate connections 180 b and 180 g.

Another problem with conventional methods of routing land-to-mobilecalls is that they are dependent on a known geographic “home” for thewireless DN in the home wireless switch. That is, certain directorynumbers cannot be used as wireless DN's using the conventional approachshown in FIG. 1. These directory numbers include non-geographic numbers(e.g., NANP directory numbers to which no geographic territory has beenassigned) and/or non-dialable numbers (e.g., directory numbers notprovided for under the NANP). This unavailability is because suchnumbers are not routable under conventional approaches, inasmuch as theyhave no geographic endpoint (i.e., there is no “home ” wireless switchfor a non-geographic directory numbers). This unavailability reduces thecapacity of the telecommunications network, as well as its efficiency.

In addition, another problem arises with conventional methods of routingland-to-mobile calls. With conventional methods, a wireless mobilestation is assigned to a single home area. Accordingly, land-to-mobilecalls that are originated outside of the home area are long distancecalls. These long distance calls are subject to higher billing rates,which may discourage potential callers from dialing the wireless mobilestation. In a scenario in which these potential callers are businessassociates or clients who are located in regions outside of thesubscriber's home area, the higher billing rates may undesirably inhibitgrowth of the subscriber's client base or may result in a loss of somebusiness associates or clients because the business associates orclients do not wish to place long distance calls.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method and system for establishingland-to-mobile calls that minimizes or eliminates one or more problemsas set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An advantage of the present invention is that a method and a system areprovided that reduce the number of connections that must be establishedin a telecommunications network when making a call from a landtelecommunications terminal to a wireless mobile station.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the method and systemincrease network capacity and efficiency by enabling use ofnon-geographic and non-dialable directory numbers for wireless stationsthat would otherwise go unused.

It is yet another advantage of the present invention that the method andsystem allow a wireless mobile station to have multiple local directorynumbers each associated with a different geographic location.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin one form by a method for establishing a call to a wireless directorynumber (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station, the wireless DNbeing one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN. The method callsfor receiving a local access DN at an originating switching node andidentifying a signaling node associated with the local access DN. Themethod further calls for obtaining, from a database residing at a homelocation register, the wireless DN associated with the local access DN,utilizing the wireless DN to determine a route that includes theoriginating switching node and a visited switching node serving thewireless DN, and establishing a connection to the wireless mobilestation via the determined route.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin another form by a telecommunications network which includes anoriginating switching node configured to determine when a local accessdirectory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station has beenreceived and to generate a routing request that includes the localaccess DN. A signaling node is in communication with the originatingswitching node. The signaling node is configured to send a locationrequest that includes the local access DN in response to receipt of therouting request. A home location register, in communication with thesignaling node, includes a database having a wireless DN associated withthe local access DN, the wireless DN being one of a non-geographic DNand a non-dialable DN. The home location register is configured toaccess the database to obtain the wireless DN and utilize the wirelessDN to obtain a temporary local directory number (TLDN) allocated to thewireless mobile station. The network further includes a visitedswitching node serving the wireless DN. The originating switching nodeis operative to establish a connection to the wireless mobile stationusing the TLDN via a route that includes the originating switching nodeand the visited switching node.

This summary and the following description of the invention should notrestrict the scope of the claimed invention. Both provide examples andexplanations to enable others to practice the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which form part of the description of theinvention, show several embodiments of the invention, and together withthe description, explain the principles of the invention.

In the Figures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional telecommunications network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a telecommunications network in accordancewith methods and systems consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of wireline switch in a telecommunicationsnetwork in accordance with-methods and systems consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a trigger table in a wireline switch inaccordance with methods and systems consistent with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signaling node in a telecommunicationsnetwork in accordance with methods and systems consistent with thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the steps performed by a call processingmodule in a wireline switch in accordance with methods and systemsconsistent with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the steps performed by a call routing modulein a signaling node in accordance with methods and systems consistentwith the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a telecommunications network in accordancewith a further two-stage dialing embodiment consistent with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a home location register in accordance withan alternative single-stage dialing embodiment consistent with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of embodiments of this invention refers to theaccompanying drawings. Where appropriate, the same reference numbers indifferent drawings refer to the same or similar elements.

Methods and systems consistent with the present invention establish asingle connection in a telecommunications network when connecting callsto wireless directory numbers (DNs) regardless-of whether the associatedwireless stations are within or outside of their respective home areas.In one embodiment, when a call is directed to a wireless DN, a wirelineswitch in the network identifies a signaling node associated with thewireless DN and sends the identified signaling node a request for aroute to the wireless DN. If the wireless station associated withwireless DN is outside of its home area and is served by a visited nodein the network, the signaling node determines a route that excludes thehome node associated with the wireless DN and returns a temporary localdirectory number (TLDN) to the wireline switch. Using the TLDN, thewireline switch establishes a connection to the visited node, whichsends a ring signal to the associated wireless station.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a telecommunications network 200 inaccordance with methods and systems consistent with the presentinvention. As shown, telecommunications network 200 comprises a wirelineswitch 210, a signaling node 220, signal transfer points (STPs) 135, 225and 235, home wireless switch 120, home location register 130, visitorlocation register 140, visited wireless switch 150, a wireline stationor telephone 155, cell site including antenna 170, and wireless station175.

Wireline switch 210 connects to telephone 155 having an associateddirectory number, PSTN network 160, and STP 225. Wireline switch 210 mayinclude, for example, a 5ESS™, DMS-100198 (or DMS-200™), GTD-5 ™, or anEWSD™ switching system manufactured by Lucent Technologies, Inc., NortelNetworks Corporation, AGCS, and Siemens, respectively. As explainedbelow in detail, wireline switch 210 is configured to communicate withsignaling node 220 when establishing incoming calls to wireless DNs, forexample the wireless DN associated with wireless station 175.

Signaling node 220 interfaces home location register 130 via STP 235,which routes signaling messages in telecommunications network 200.Alternatively, signaling node 220 may interface with home locationregister 130 via a signaling network such as, a Signaling System 7 (SS7)network or an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Signaling node 220 mayinclude a Service Control Point (SCP) such as, AI-NET™, IntegratedService Control Point (ISCP™) or Service Builder™ equipment/softwaremanufactured or provided by Lucent Technologies, Inc., TelcordiaTechnologies, Inc., and Nortel Networks Corporation, respectively.

Home location register 130 interfaces via STP 235 with signaling node220 and via STP 135 with visitor location register 140. Home locationregister 130 stores information about wireless subscribers intelecommunications network 200 such as, the current location of awireless station associated with a subscriber, billing information, andservices that the wireless subscriber is authorized to use. Visitorlocation register 140 stores information about the current location of awireless station when a wireless station is activated outside of itshome area. For example, in telecommunications network 200, wirelessstation 175 is within its home area when wireless station 175 directlycommunicates with home switch 120. However, wireless station 175 isoutside of its home area when wireless station 175 cannot directlycommunicate with home wireless switch 120 and instead communicates withvisited wireless switch 150. STPs 135, 225, and 235 route signalingmessages such as, Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN), IS-41, ANSI-41,and SS7 messages in telecommunications network 200. Each STP 135, 225,and 235 may be an adjunct to a wireline or a wireless switch intelecommunications network 200.

Call flow processing in telecommunications network 200 will be explainedin detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of wireline switch 210 in accordance withmethods and systems consistent with the present invention. As shown,wireline switch 210 comprises a processor 300, which connects via a bus310 to a memory 320, a secondary storage 330, a peripheral interfacemodule 340, a signaling interface module 350, an input terminal 360, andan output terminal 370.

Memory 320 includes a call processing 380, an operating system 382, anda trigger table 384, all of which are executed by processor 300. Callprocessing 380 includes software and data for establishing, maintaining,and terminating calls between subscribers. Operating system 382 includessoftware and data for non-switching functions, which include, forexample, task scheduling and processor interrupt handling. As explainedbelow in detail, trigger table 384 includes entries that are used tointercept calls destined to wireless DNs and to identify the associatedsignaling nodes for routing calls to wireless DNs without establishingconnections to the home wireless switches associated with the wirelessDNs.

Peripheral interface module 340 interfaces with trunks that connectwireline switch 210 to PSTN network 160. The trunks carry calls, whichmay include, voice, data, and video, established in telecommunicationsnetwork 200.

Signaling interface module 350 transmits to and receives from STP 225signaling information such as, AIN, IS-41, and ANSI-41 messages. Forexample, signaling interface module 350 converts signaling informationgenerated by call processing 380 into AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41 messages andtransmits the messages to STP 225. Likewise, signaling interface module350 receives AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41 messages from STP 225 and convertsthe messages into an internal format for processing by call processing380.

Secondary storage 330 includes a computer readable medium such as a diskdrive and a tape drive. From the tape drive, software and data may beloaded onto the disk drive, which can then be copied into memory 320.Similarly, software and data in memory 320 may be copied onto the diskdrive, which can then be loaded onto the tape drive.

Input terminal 360 may include an input device such as, a keyboard, andoutput terminal 370 may include a display device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of trigger table 384 in accordance withmethods and systems consistent with the present invention. Trigger table384 includes N predetermined triggers shown as entries 400 ₁-400 _(N),where each entry includes an index field and an identifier field. Forexample, entry 400 _(N) may include an index field 410 _(N), and anidentifier field 420 _(N). In an embodiment where triggers 400 ₁-400_(N) are Public Office Dialing Plan (PODP) triggers, an index field mayinclude a 3, 6, or 10 digit string such as, an area code, an area codeand an office code, or a DN. PODP triggers are described in AIN 0.1standards TR-NWT-001284: Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) 0.1Switching System Generic Requirements, Issue 1 (August 1992) andTR-NWT-001285: Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) 0.1 Service ControlPoint (SCP) Application Protocol Interface Requirements, Issue 1 (August1992), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, in an embodiment where triggers 400 ₁-400 _(N) areSpecific Digit String (SDS) triggers, an index may include any sequenceof digits. SDS triggers are described in AIN 0.2 standards GR-1298-CORE:AIN SSP, AINGR: Switching Systems (A Module Of AINGR, FR-15), Issue 4(September 1997) and GR-1299-CORE: AINGR: Switch—Service Control Point(SCP)/Adjunct Interface (A Module Of AINGR, FR-15), Issue 4 (September1997), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

An identifier field includes a numeric string that identifies asignaling node associated with any wireless DN whose area code, areacode and office code, or DN matches the associated index field intrigger table 384. For example, trigger table 384 may be configured toinclude a trigger entry 400 _(N) where index 410 _(N) includes the areacode associated with the DN assigned to wireless station 175 andidentifier 420 _(N) includes a translation type/global title address(TT/GTA) associated with signaling node 220. The TT/GTA may then becommunicated to STP 225 for determining a point code associated withsignaling node 220. Alternatively, identifier 420 _(N) may include apoint code associated with signaling node 220, which may be used bywireline switch 210 to directly identify signaling node 220.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of signaling node 220 in accordance withmethods and systems consistent with the present invention. Signalingnode 220 comprises a processor 500, which connects via a bus 510 to amemory 520, a secondary storage 530, a signaling interface module 540,an input terminal 550, and an output terminal 560.

Memory 520 includes a call routing 570 and an operating system 572. Callrouting 570 includes software and data for communicating with homelocation register 130 and other databases (not shown) such as, a CallManagement Services Database (CMSDB), a Line Information Database(LIDB), and a Business Service Database (BSDB) in telecommunicationsnetwork 200 when determining a route to a wireless DN such as, thewireless DN associated with wireless station 175.

Signaling interface module 540 transmits to and receives from STPs 225and 235 signaling information such as, AIN, IS-41, and ANSI-41 messages.For example, signaling interface module 540 converts signalinginformation generated by call routing 570 into AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41messages and transmits the messages to STPs 225 and 235. Likewise,signaling interface module 540 receives AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41 messagesfrom STPs 225 and 235 and converts the messages into an internal formatfor processing by call routing 570.

Secondary storage 530 includes a computer readable medium such as a diskdrive and a tape drive. From the tape drive, software and data may beloaded onto the disk drive, which can then be copied into memory 520.Similarly, software and data in memory 520 may be copied onto the diskdrive, which can then be loaded onto the tape drive.

Input terminal 550 may include an input device such as, a keyboard, andoutput terminal 560 may include a display device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the steps performed by call processing 380 inwireline switch 210 when a wireline subscriber using telephone 155originates a call to wireless station 175 in accordance with methods andsystems consistent with the present invention. When the wirelinesubscriber dials the DN associated with wireless station 175, wirelineswitch 210 receives and processes a call request 180 a in accordancewith call processing 380 (step 600). Call processing 380 then determineswhether trigger table 384 includes a trigger whose index matches asequence of digits in the dialed DN such as, the area code, acombination of the area code and office code, or any other sequence ofdigits (step 610).

If call processing 380 determines that trigger table 384 does notinclude any triggers with a matching index, call processing 380continues normal call processing (step 620). If trigger table 384includes a trigger with a matching index, call processing 380 suspendsnormal call processing and invokes the trigger to identify a signalingnode, for example signaling node 220, associated with the dialed DN(step 630).

In one embodiment, the invoked trigger includes the TT/GTA associatedwith signaling node 220. In this embodiment, call processing 380 thensends an AIN info-analyze message 230 a via STP 225 to signaling node220, requesting a route for establishing a call to the dialed DN (step640). Info_analyze message 230 a includes as its parameters the DNassociated with the calling telephone 155 and the dialed DN associatedwith wireless station 175.

For example, call processing 380 may send info_analyze message 230 a toSTP 225 using a Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) message, whichincludes the TT/GTA associated with signaling node 220. Using theTT/GTA, STP 225 then determines from its internal tables the point codeassociated with signaling node 220 and forwards info_analyze message 230a to signaling node 220.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the invoked trigger may includethe point code associated with signaling node 220. In this embodiment,call processing 380 may send an AIN info_analyze message 230 a directlyto signaling node 220.

In response to info_analyze message 230 a, if wireless station 175 iswithin its home area (not shown), call processing 380 receives fromsignaling node 220 and AIN continue response message. Call processing380 then resumes normal call processing, and using the dialed DN,establishes a connection to home wireless switch 120, which sends a ringsignal to wireless station 175.

However, if wireless station 175 is outside of its home area as shown inFIG. 2, call processing 380 receives from signaling node 220 ananalyze_route message 230 e, which includes a temporary local directorynumber (TLDN) (step 650). Call processing 380 uses the TLDN to establisha connection 230 f to visited wireless switch 150, which sends a ringsignal to wireless station 175 (step 660).

Accordingly, a single connection 230f is established to a singlewireless switch in telecommunications network 200 when establishing acall to wireless station 175 regardless of whether wireless station 175is within or outside of its home area. In other words, when wirelessstation 175 is within its home area, a single connection is establishedto home wireless switch 120 as explained above. Likewise, when wirelessstation 175 is outside of its home area as shown in FIG. 2, a singleconnection is established to visited wireless switch 150.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the steps performed by call routing 570 insignaling node 220 when signaling node 220 receives from wireline switch210 a request for routing a call to a dialed DN associated with wirelessstation 175 in accordance with methods and systems consistent with thepresent invention. When signaling node 220 receives info analyze message230 a from wireline switch 210 (step 700), call routing 570 identifies ahome location register, for example home location register 130,associated with the dialed DN (step 710).

Call routing 570 sends an ANSI-41 LocationRequest message 230 b via STP235 to the identified home location register 130, requesting a route forestablishing a call to the dialed DN (step 720). In response toLocationRequest message 230 b, if wireless station 175 is within itshome area, home location register 130 sends to signaling node 220 viaSTP 235 a LocationRequest response message that includes the dialed DN.Based on the dialed DN value in the LocationRequest response message,call routing 570 determines that wireless station 175 is within its homearea and sends via STP 225 an AIN continue response message to wirelineswitch 210. Using the dialed DN, wireline switch 210 then establishes aconnection to home wireless switch 120, which sends a ring signal towireless station 175.

However, if wireless station 175 is outside of its home area as shown inFIG. 2, home location register 130 identifies the visitor locationregister, for example, visitor location register 140, with whichwireless station 175 last registered, and sends an ANSI-41 RouteRequestmessage 180 d via STP 135 to the identified visitor location register140. Visitor location register 140 then forwards RouteRequest message180 d to its associated visited wireless switch 150, requesting a routeto wireless station 175.

Visited wireless switch 150 computes a temporary local directory number(TLDN), which can be used for establishing incoming calls to wirelessstation 175. Visited wireless switch 150 then returns the TLDN tovisitor location register 140 in an ANSI-41 message 180 e. Visitorlocation register 140 then sends via STP 135 to home location register130 an ANSI-41 RouteRequest response message 180 f that includes theTLDN. When home location register 130 receives RouteRequest responsemessage 180 f, it sends via STP 235 to signaling node 220 an ANSI-41LocationRequest response message 230 c that includes the TLDN.

When signaling node 220 receives LocationRequest response message 230 cfrom home location register 130 (step 730), call routing 570 sendsanalyze_route message 230 e via STP 225 to wireline switch 210,providing wireline switch 210 with the TLDN for establishing a call towireless station 175 (step 740). Using the TLDN, wireline switch 210establishes a connection 230 f to visited wireless switch 150, whichsends a ring signal to wireless station 175. Accordingly, only a singleconnection 230 f is established to a single wireless switch (i.e.,visited wireless switch 150) in telecommunications network 200 whenestablishing a call to wireless station 175 while wireless station 175is outside of its home area.

Two-Stage Dialing

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a telecommunications network 800.Network 800 provides a system for establishing a call to a wirelessdirectory number (DN) associated with a wireless mobile station 175wherein the wireless DN is either a non-geographic DN or a non-dialableDN.

A non-geographic directory number, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8,may be a unique ten-digit number in the same format as a ten-digit NorthAmerican Numbering Plan (NANP) number, but which has no geographicterritory assigned thereto. These non-geographic directory numbers willbe allocated specifically for wireless mobile purposes.

A non-dialable directory number is a number that is not provided for asan NANP directory number (e.g., a ten-digit directory number beginningwith “011”). The nomenclature “non-dialable” is used herein to describethose numbers that are not used by the NANP to indicate numbering planarea (i.e., area code) or central office code. However the“non-dialable” directory number may be “dialable” in that it may beallowed for use as a prefix for dialing to another country, as a prefixfor accessing directory assistance, and so forth.

Administration of non-geographic directory numbers or non-dialabledirectory numbers in accordance with the invention may be accomplishedon a centralized basis, for example, as is currently done for toll free(e.g., “800,” “888” and “877”) numbers. The meaning of the termsnon-geographic directory numbers and non-dialable directory numbers arethe same as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

It bears emphasizing that a key disadvantage of conventional networks isthat non-geographic directory numbers have no “home ” wireless switchingmatrix associated therewith. According to conventional teachings, an HLRwith its accompanying home wireless switch is where calls to wirelessdirectory numbers are first routed. Non-dialable numbers are notrecognized by local switches. Accordingly, non-geographic andnon-dialable directory numbers have been unavailable for use in wirelessapplications.

The embodiment of FIG. 8, according to the invention, enables use ofnon-geographic and/or non-dialable directory numbers for wireless mobileapplications by establishing a novel two-stage dialing process. Thecaller first dials a preselected geographic-based access number. Next,dialtone is provided, and digits are collected from the callercorresponding to the desired wireless DN. The caller may be a person,or, in another embodiment, may be a modem, programmed to recognize thedialtone so provided and transmit digits in response thereto. Theinvention improves network capacity and efficiency.

A description of the embodiment of FIG. 8 begins with telecommunicationsnetwork 800 including a wireline station such as telephone 155, PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN)/Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC) 160, anoriginating switching node 810, a signaling node (SCP) 820, signaltransfer point (STP) 235, Home Location Register (HLR) 130, signaltransfer point (STP) 135, visitor location register (VLR) 140, visitedswitching node 150, cell site including antenna 170, and wireless mobilestation 175.

HLR 130, VLR 140, visited switching node 150, wireline subscriberstations 155, PSTN/IXC 160, and cellular site including antenna 170 mayeach comprise conventional apparatus such as that described above inconnection with network 200.

STPs 135 and 235 may also comprise conventional apparatus known in theart, as described above.

Originating switching node 810 is located in an end office associatedwith the preselected access directory number. Originating switching node810 may be a local serving switch if wireline subscriber station 155 isserved directly out of that office. Alternatively, and as also shown inFIG. 8, originating switching node 810 may be accessed from wirelinesubscriber station 155 through PSTN/IXC 160, which may comprise one ormore intermediate offices. Originating switching node 810 is similar towireline switch 210 inasmuch as it is configured to communicate, uponoccurrence of a trigger event, with signaling node 820 when establishingconnections for incoming calls. To this extent, the structure of switch210 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 (and the description associatedtherewith) applies equally to originating switching node 810.Originating switching node 810, in a preferred embodiment, comprises anAdvanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point(SSP), compatible with and at least conforming to AIN release 0.1(switching node 810 is hereinafter referred to as “SSP 810”). As withswitch 210, SSP 810 executes a formal call model, which includes varioustrigger conditions, as described above with respect to network 200. Inaccordance with the present invention, SSP 810 is configured with atrigger so as to detect when the preselected geographic access directorynumber has been dialed, and to thereafter suspend call processing whilequerying signaling node 820 for further instructions.

The present invention is described in terms of calls originating from awireline telephone connected to wireline originating switch. However thepresent invention may be adapted for use at wireless originatingswitches capable of transmitting and receiving signaling informationsuch as AIN, IS-41, and ANSI-41 messages. As such, calls may originatefrom a wireless station associated with a wireless originating switchthat executes a formal call model which includes the various triggerconditions described herein.

Signaling node 820 is similar to signaling node 220. Therefore, thestructure of node 220 illustrated in FIG. 5 (and the descriptionassociated therewith) applies equally to signaling node 820. Signalingnode 820 interfaces to HLR 130 via STP 235, which routes signalingmessages in telecommunications network 800. In a preferred embodiment ofnetwork 800, signaling node 820 comprises an AIN-capable Service ControlPoint (SCP), as described above (signaling node 820 is hereinafterreferred to as “SCP 820”).

SCP 820, as with SSP 810, has also been programmed to recognize thepreselected access directory number. In response thereto, SCP 820requests that SSP 810 provide dialtone and collect digits (from thecaller) corresponding to the desired wireless DN.

In operation, the combination of wireline SSP 810 and SCP 820 implementa novel two-stage dialing process, wherein a geographic access directorynumber is first dialed, and wherein SSP 810 subsequently collects digitscorresponding to the nongeographic or non-dialable wireless directorynumber.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, a description of the operation willnow be set forth. In FIG. 8, the voice path (i.e., the path over whichthe call is carried) is illustrated as a plurality of links, designated880 _(a)-880 _(b). The signaling path, which may comprise a plurality ofrequests and-responses thereto over a number of physical facilities, isdesignated 830 _(a)-830 _(b)-830 _(c)-830 _(d)-830 _(e)-830 _(f)-8309_(g)-830 _(h)-830 _(i)-830 _(j) (in the order of occurrence).

Wireline telephone 155 initiates a call to SSP 810, where thegeographic-based access directory number (DN) resides, by dialing thegeographic-based access number. This is done to access a wireless mobilestation 175 using a non-geographic or non-dialable directory number.This first link of the connection is shown as a call request 880 a inFIG. 8, which is received and processed by SSP 810. Call processing 380of SSP 810 (best shown in FIG. 3) then determines whether trigger table384 includes a trigger that matches the dialed, preselected,geographic-based access directory number (i.e., the sequence of digits).As described above, the trigger may include the area code portionthereof, a combination of the area code and an office code portionthereof, or any other specific sequence of digits.

When call processing 380 determines that trigger table 384 does notinclude any triggers with a matching index, call processing 380continues with normal call processing. When trigger table 384 includes atrigger with a matching index, however, call processing 380 suspendsnormal call processing, and invokes the trigger to identify a signalingnode (e.g., SCP 820) associated with the dialed access directory number.

Call processing 380 then sends an AIN RouteRequest (info_analyze)message 830 a to SCP 820. SCP 820 recognizes the dialed preselectedgeographic-based access directory number and, in response thereto,directs SSP 810 via an AIN 0.1 message 830 _(b), to provide dialtone andcollect digits corresponding to the wireless DN. It bears emphasizingthat the wireless DN, in accordance with the invention, is one of eithera non-geographic DN or non-dialable DN. Thus, while these numbers maynot be dialed directly, they nonetheless may be collected for furtherprocessing. The collected digits are returned to SCP 820 via an AIN 0.1message 830.

SCP 820, now in possession of the dialed wireless DN (i.e., the“collected digits”), sends an ANSI-41 LocationRequest 830 _(d) to HLR130, possibly routed by way of one or more STPs, such as STP 235. HLR130, in response thereto, issues a query to its internal database todetermine which visitor location register (VLR) is presently servingmobile wireless station 175. This is done by HLR 130 by identifying aVLR with which the wireless mobile station 175 was last registered.Thus, while there are multiple possible VLRs, only one VLR is identifiedin response to the query. HLR 130 thereafter transmits a RouteRequest830 e to the identified VLR, such as VLR 140 in FIG. 8, possibly routedby way of one or more STPs, such as STP 135.

VLR 140 determines whether the call is deliverable, and if so, allocatesa Temporary Local Directory Number (TLDN) from a pool of numbers whosegeographic base is visited cellular wireless switch 150.

VLR 140 returns to HLR 130 the allocated TLDN by a message 820 _(f) inresponse to RouteRequest 830 e (a “RouteRequest response” message),possibly routed by way of one or more STPs, such as STP 135.

HLR 130, upon receipt of the RouteRequest response message 830 _(f),transmits to SCP 820 a LocationRequest response message 830 _(g) thatincludes the allocated TLDN, possibly routed by way of one of more STPs,such as STP 235.

SCP 820, upon receipt of the LocationRequest response message 830 _(g)from HLR 130, transmits an analyze_route message 830 _(h) to SSP 810,providing SSP 810 with the TLDN for establishing a call by way ofPSTN/IXC 160 to wireless mobile station 175.

SSP 810 is configured to pass the incoming voice connection 880 a toPSTN/IXC 160 for delivery to visited cellular switch 150. Using theTLDN, SSP 810 will establish connection 880 _(b) to switch 150.

For the voice connections link 880 b to be established, switch 150 sendsa RouteRequest, designated 830 _(i) to VLR 140. RouteRequest 830 _(i)includes the TLDN. VLR 140 then associates the allocated TLDN withwireless mobile station 175, and passes the mobile station ID to switch150 in a message designated 830 _(j) in response to RouteRequest 830_(i). Switch 150 is now able to connect the incoming call to wirelessmobile station 175 by way of connection 880 _(b), via the correct cellsite and antenna 170.

FIG. 8 therefore shows a continuous voice path comprising links 880_(a)-880 _(b) created dynamically between a geographic-based wirelinetelephone 155 and a non-geographic-based wireless mobile station 175.Significantly, wireless mobile station 175, having a non-geographicdirectory number (or non-dialable DN) is accessed using ageographic-based access directory number and wireline/wirelessintegration to bridge between the two systems. Through the foregoingsystem and method, telecommunication network 800 exhibits an increasedcapacity (i.e., can handle more directory numbers) and improvedefficiency (i.e., voice connection is established from originatingswitching node 810 directly to visited wireless switch 150—no need forvoice connection through a “home” wireless switch).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of home location register 130 in accordancewith an alternative dialing process of the embodiment of FIG. 8. Asshown, home location register 130 is a system that includes a processor910, which connects via a bus 920 to a computer-readable storage medium930, a secondary storage 940, a signaling module 950, an input terminal960, and an output terminal 970.

Computer-readable storage medium 930 may be a hard disk, a magneticdisk, a compact disk, a personal computer memory card internationalassociation (PCMCIA) card, or any other volatile or non-volatile massstorage system readable by processor 910. Executable code is recorded onstorage medium 930 for instructing processor 910 to perform operationspertaining to subscriber identification/verification tasks, call set up,and so forth.

Secondary storage 940 may be a hard disk, a magnetic disk, a compactdisk, a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA)card, or any other volatile or non-volatile mass storage system readableby processor 910. Secondary storage 940 includes a first database 980and a second database 990. Per convention, first database 980 includeswireless directory numbers, associated with electronic serial numbers,and service related parameters specific to a particular wirelessdirectory number/electronic serial number pair. Only one wirelessdirectory number 982 is shown for clarity of illustration. However, itshould be readily understood that first database 980 will include anynumber of wireless directory numbers 982.

Second database 990 includes wireless directory numbers (DN) 982associated with local access directory numbers (DN), such as a firstlocal access DN 994 and a second local access DN 996. Local accessdirectory numbers 994 and 996 are unique geographic-based, local accessdirectory numbers maintained at separate originating switching nodes810, i.e. end offices, of which only one is shown. Wireless DN 982 isassociated with first and second local access DNs 994 and 996 in seconddatabase 990 prior to call initiation, for example, when a serviceprovider first arranges cellular service parameters for a newsubscriber.

Only one wireless DN 982 is shown in second database 990 for clarity ofillustration. However, it should be understood that second database 990will include any number of wireless DNs 982 maintained by HLR system130. In addition, only two local access directory numbers, i.e., firstand second local access DNs 994 and 996, are discussed in connectionwith wireless DN 982. Ellipsis indicate that wireless DN 982 may beassociated with any number of unique geographic-based local accessdirectory numbers.

Signaling interface module 950 transmits to and receives from STP 235signaling information such as, AIN, IS-41, and ANSI-41 messages. Forexample, signaling interface module 950 converts signaling informationgenerated by the executable code of computer-readable medium 930 AIN,IS-41 or ANSI-41 messages and transmits the messages to STP 235.Likewise, signaling interface module 950 receives AIN, IS-41 or ANSI-41messages from STP 135 and converts the messages into an internal formatfor processing by the executable instructions of computer-readablestorage medium 930.

Input terminal 960 may include an input device, such as a keyboard, andoutput terminal 970 may include a display device.

Referring to FIG. 8 in connection with FIG. 9, a process forestablishing a call to a wireless directory number associated with awireless mobile station 175 according to the alternative embodiment ofthe present invention will be described. As discussed previously,wireless DN 982 is either a non-geographic DN or a non-dialable DN.

The alternative embodiment of FIG. 9, according to the invention,enables use of non-geographic and/or non-dialable directory numbers forwireless mobile applications. In addition, by utilizing second database990 at HLR 130, a mobile station 175 assigned wireless DN 982 may beassigned to more than one local calling area by the association ofwireless DN 982 with more than one local access directory number, suchas first and second local access DNs 994 and 996, respectively.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a description of theoperation will now be set forth. In FIG. 8, the voice path (i.e., thepath over which the call is carried) is illustrated as a plurality oflinks, designated 880 _(a)-880 _(b). The signaling path, which maycomprise a plurality of requests and responses thereto over a number ofphysical facilities, is designated 830 _(a)-830 _(b)-830 _(c)-830_(d)-830 _(e)-830 _(f)-8309 _(g)-830 _(h)-830 _(i)-830 _(j) (in the (inthe order of occurrence).

Wireline telephone 155 initiates a call to SSP 810, where the localaccess directory number DN, for example, first local access DN 984,resides by dialing local access DN 984. This is done to access awireless mobile station 175 using wireless DN 982 which may be anon-geographic or non-dialable directory number. This first link of theconnection is-shown as a call request 880 a in FIG. 8, which is receivedand processed by SSP 810.

Call processing 380 of SSP 810 (best shown in FIG. 3) then determineswhether trigger table 384 includes a trigger that matches the dialed,first local access DN 984 (i.e., the sequence of digits). As describedabove, the trigger may include the area code portion thereof, acombination of the area code and an office code portion thereof, or anyother specific sequence of digits.

When call processing 380 determines that trigger table 384 does notinclude any triggers with a matching index, call processing 380continues with normal call processing. However, when trigger table 384includes a trigger with a matching index, call processing 380 invokesthe trigger to identify a signaling node (e.g., SCP 820) associated withthe dialed first local access DN 984.

Call processing 380 then transmits an AIN RouteRequest (info_analyze)message 830 a to SCP 820. SCP 820 recognizes the dialed first localaccess DN 984 and, in response thereto, sends an ANSI-41 LocationRequest830 _(d) to HLR 130, possibly routed by way of one or more STPs, such asSTP 235.

In response to receipt of LocationRequest 830 _(d), processor 910 of HLR130 accesses second database 990 to obtain wireless DN 982 associatedwith the dialed first local access DN 994. It bears emphasizing thatwireless DN 982, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of thepresent invention, is one of either a non-geographic DN or non-dialableDN. Thus, while these numbers may not be dialed directly, theynonetheless may be obtained from second database 990 and may be utilizedfor further processing.

When HLR 130 obtains wireless DN 982 associated with the dialed firstlocal access DN 984, HLR 130 associates the call initiated at telephone155 with wireless directory number 982 by employing a pointer 998between first local access DN 994 of second database 990 to wireless DN982 of first database 980.

HLR 130 then issues a query to first database 980 to determine whichvisitor location register (VLR) is presently serving mobile wirelessstation 175 having wireless directory number 982. This is done by HLR130 by identifying a VLR with which the wireless mobile station 175 waslast registered. Thus, while there are multiple possible VLRs, only oneVLR is identified in response to the query.

HLR 130 thereafter sends a RouteRequest 830 e to the identified VLR,such as VLR 140 in FIG. 8, possibly routed by way of one or more STPs,such as STP 135 utilizing wireless directory number 982 obtained fromsecond database 990.

VLR 140 determines whether the call is deliverable, and if so, allocatesa Temporary Local Directory Number (TLDN) from a pool of numbers whosegeographic base is visited cellular wireless switch 150.

VLR 140 returns to HLR 130 the allocated TLDN by a message 830 f inresponse to RouteRequest 830 e (a “RouteRequest response” message),possibly routed by way of one or more STPs, such as STP 135 usingwireless DN 982.

HLR 130, upon receipt of the RouteRequest response message 830 f,accesses second database 990 using pointer 998 to recover first localaccess directory number 994 and associate first local access directorynumber 994 with the TLDN. HLR 130 then forwards the TLDN to SCP 820 bytransmitting a LocationRequest response message 830 _(g) that includesthe allocated TLDN, possibly routed by way of one of more STPs, such asSTP 235, using first local access DN 994.

Upon receipt of the LocationRequest response message 830 _(g) from HLR130, SCIP 820 relays the TLDN to SSP 810. SCP 820 transmits ananalyze_route message 830 _(h) to SSP 810, providing SSP 810 with theTLDN for establishing a call by way of PSTN/IXC 160 to wireless mobilestation 175.

SSP 810 is configured to pass the incoming voice connection 880 a toPSTN/IXC 160 for delivery to visited cellular switch 150. Using theTLDN, SSP 810 will establish connection 880 _(b) to switch 150.

For the voice connections link 880 b to be established, switch 150 sendsa RouteRequest, designated 830 _(i) to VLR 140. RouteRequest 830 _(i)includes the TLDN. VLR 140 then associates the allocated TLDN withwireless mobile station 175, and passes the mobile station ID to switch150 in a message designated 830 j in response to RouteRequest 830 i.Switch 150 is now able to connect the incoming call to wireless mobilestation 175 by way of connection 880 _(b), via the correct cell site andantenna 170.

FIG. 8 therefore shows a continuous voice path comprising links 880_(a)-880 _(b) created dynamically between a geographic-based wirelinetelephone 155 and a non-geographic-based wireless mobile station 175.Significantly, wireless mobile station 175, having a non-geographicdirectory number (or non-dialable DN) is accessed using ageographic-based local access directory number and wireline/wirelessintegration to bridge between the two systems. Through the alternativeembodiment of the present invention described in connection with FIGS. 8and 9, telecommunication network 800 exhibits the benefits of anincreased capacity and improved efficiency as discussed in connectionwith the two-stage call processing methodology.

Moreover, the implementation of the alternative embodiment of HLR 130shown in FIG. 9 results in second database 990 matching local accessdirectory numbers with the non-geographic directory number (ornon-dialable DN) of the mobile station in HLR 130. Thus, there may bemultiple originating switches 810, or end offices, each associated withunique local access directory numbers, and each associated with the samenon-geographic or non-dialable directory number in HLR 130. Such callprocessing implementation advantageously allows local access from morethan one local calling area for that mobile station.

The call processing operations of FIGS. 8 and 9 are described in termsof the wireless mobile station having a wireless directory number thatis one of a non-geographic DN and a non-dialable DN. However, it shouldbe understood that the principals of the present invention could beutilized as well for a wireless mobile station having a geographic-basedwireless directory number.

Although aspects of one implementation are depicted as being stored inmemory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part ofsystems and methods consistent with the present invention may be storedon or read from other computer-readable media, such as secondary storagedevices, like hard disks, floppy disks, and CD-ROM; a carrier wavereceived from a network such as the Internet; or other forms of ROM orRAM. Finally, although specific components of a wireline switch andsignaling node have been described, one skilled in the art willappreciate that a wireline switch and signaling node suitable for usewith methods and systems consistent with the present invention maycontain additional or different components.

While it has been illustrated and described what are at presentconsidered to be preferred embodiments and methods of the presentinvention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scopeof the invention.

In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularelement, technique or implementation to the teachings of the presentinvention without departing from the central scope of the invention.Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to theparticular embodiments and methods disclosed herein, but that theinvention include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method comprising: receiving a first number at an originating switching node, the first number compliant with the North American Numbering Plan (NANP); identifying a signaling node associated with said first number; obtaining a second number associated with a wireless device, the second number not compliant with the NANP; sending the second number to a home node associated with the wireless device; receiving from the home node a route to the wireless device, the route including a visiting switching node serving the wireless device; establishing a connection to said wireless device via said route.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said originating switching node includes an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)-capable Service Switching Point (SSP), the signaling node comprises an AIN-capable Service Control Point (SCP), and the home node comprises a home location register (HLR).
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein identifying the signaling node includes invoking a trigger at said originating switching node indexed as a function of said first number.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the route is a temporary number, different that the first number and the second number, and associated with the visiting switching node and the wireless device.
 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising: receiving at the home node the second number; determining the route based on the second number; sending the route to the signaling node.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein determining the route includes accessing a database at the home node to obtain the route.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein determining the route includes requesting the route from a visiting node with which said wireless device was last registered, and receiving a temporary number from the visiting node, the temporary number associated with the visiting switching node and the wireless device.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the route excludes a home switching node associated with the wireless device.
 29. A processor-readable memory medium storing instructions configured to cause the processor to perform the method of claim 21 when executed by the processor.
 30. A system comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions readable by the processor; wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processor to perform the method of claim
 21. 31. A method comprising: receiving at a home node a request from a signaling node, the request including a first number, the first number compliant with the North American Numbering Plan (NANP); determining at the home node a second number associated with a wireless device, the second number not compliant with the NANP; obtaining at the home node a route to the wireless device based on the second number, the route including a visiting switching node serving the wireless device; sending the route to the signaling node.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: receiving the first number at an originating switching node; sending a routing request to the signaling node, the routing request including the first number; receiving the route from the home node; establishing a communication between the originating switching node and the wireless device via the visiting switching node.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein said originating switching node includes an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)capable Service Switching Point (SSP), the signaling node comprises an AIN-capable Service Control Point (SCP), and the home node is a home location register (HLR).
 34. The method of claim 32 wherein sending the routing request includes invoking a trigger at said originating switching node indexed as a function of said first number.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the route is a temporary number, different that the first number and the second number, and associated with the visiting node and the wireless device.
 36. The method of claim 31, wherein obtaining the route includes accessing a database at the home node to obtain the route.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein obtaining the route includes requesting the route from a visiting node with which said wireless device was last registered, and receiving a temporary number from the visiting node, the temporary number associated with the visiting switching node and the wireless device.
 38. The method of claim 31, wherein the route excludes a home switching node associated with the wireless device.
 39. A processor-readable memory medium storing instructions configured to cause the processor to perform the method of claim 31 when executed by the processor.
 40. A system comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions readable by the processor; wherein the instructions are configured to cause the processor to perform the method of claim
 31. 